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SergioRZ's avatar
SergioRZ
Aspirant
May 30, 2024

Have older RBK50 mesh system - Will upgrade to latest mesh systems be more reliable?

Hi all,

 

been having a lot of trouble with my older RBK50 system (RBR50 + 2x RBS50 satellites), when things go wrong a reboot takes a very long time and they seem to be getting worse at seeing each other, to get them connected I have to pull the off from where they are and bring them closer, then put them back on the original place... it works fine for a few weeks then it goes down and have to redo it all over again, another 45 minutes or so working on this... oh well, I'm a bit tired.

 

I've been looking at the newer and very expensive mesh systems from Netgear Orbi, and I would buy them... if I could be sure they will be more reliable and get configured faster and stay connected! I was a little disappointed to see that they use the same software/interface (phone and PC), so I'm afraid it might be more of the same just with faster speed limits?

 

So my question is, will I get a faster and more reliable SETUP/CONFIGURATION of the system with a newer gen 6 or 7 model?

Thanks!

2 Replies

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  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru
    May 30, 2024

    What Firmware version is currently loaded?
    What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
    Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.

     

    What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
    What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
    https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite ‌‌🛰

     

    What channel configurations are currently set on the router?  

     

    Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
    https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220016/jump-to/first-unread-message

     

    Has a power off for 1 minute then back ON with the ISP modem and router been performed since last update?
    Be sure to restart your network in this sequence:
    Turn off and unplug modem.
    Turn off router and computers.
    Plug in and turn on modem. Wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
    Turn on the router and wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
    Turn on computers and rest of network.


    Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?

     

    One User Experience/Configuration:
    https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Most-Stable-Orbi-Configuration/m-p/1941087/highlight/true#M97026

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru
    May 30, 2024
    SergioRZ wrote:

    So my question is, will I get a faster and more reliable SETUP/CONFIGURATION of the system with a newer gen 6 or 7 model?

    Customers who are satisfied with their Netgear system have no reason to open a discussion on the Community Forum  If the majority of customers were having serious problems with the newer systems, one would expect this to be common knowledge and the forum to be teeming with comments.  So, my answer is "probably".

     

    However, some customers definitely experience frustration with the new systems and the discussions continue.

     

    "Faster" depends on the speed of your Internet Service Provider connection and the type of devices.  The RKB50 is a WiFi5 system designed in 2016.  If you now have many WiFi6, WiFi6E, or WiFi7 devices, then none of them will be reaching their maximum potential because the RBK50 simply does not support those features.

     

    My advice: purchase from a vendor with a liberal return policy (Amazon, Costco, etc.)  If you are happy, keep it.  If not, send it back.